If there are concerns about a child or young person at risk of harm, abuse or neglect this should be reported to the Wirral Integrated Front Door Team by email to cadtsocialcare@wirral.gcsx.gov.uk or call 0151 606 2008 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and outside of these hours call 0151 677 6557.

Keeping a record of the abuse

Whilst some victims of domestic abuse may not want to report the crime for a number of reasons, there may come a point when they want or need to. Having a record of what has happened and when, is very important as it may be used at a later date to support court cases or re-housing applications if applicable.

Staying safe

If possible, the victim should try and leave the situation as their personal safety and that of any children involved is of paramount importance.

Keeping safe if a victim decides to leave their home:

Tell somebody they trust that they are leaving. They may want to agree a plan and/or a code word in advance

Have a small bag packed with spare clothes, keys, telephone numbers and money in case they have to leave quickly. If they are afraid that it will be found, leave it at work or with a friend or someone they trust

Talk to their children beforehand about the possibility of leaving in an emergency if it is appropriate. The children should be taken with them

Only leave when it is safe to do so

Take some identification that might help others protect them from the perpetrator, such as a recent photograph and any official documentation such as a passport, driving licence and/or other documentation if applicable. This will help in sorting any benefits or other entitlements as quickly as possible once they have left the situation

If they later discover that they have left something behind, they can arrange to collect it with a police officer – they should not return by themselves

Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme)

Under Clare’s Law, men and woman can request information about their partner, as can a third party such as a friend, relative or neighbour if they are concerned. The police can disclose information about a partner's previous history or violent acts.